June 5, 2013

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District spoke on the House Floor today in support of the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act which would update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act. Her remarks are below:

“Over the last 50 years, women have broken barriers in business, science, education, and government. Today, women account for half of all workers in this country, yet they earn less for equal work. In Nevada, the average woman still makes only 85 cents for every dollar that men earn - amounting to a yearly gap of $6300 between full-time working men and women.

“Collectively, Nevada women are losing some $2.3 billion each year due to this pay gap.  The pay gap not only harms individual women, it hurts their families and our communities. It is an economic drag, a social calamity, and a moral injustice.

“In a country where we strive toward equal opportunity, this is simply unacceptable.

“That is why it is so important that we pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.  This critical piece of legislation would update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act and help women fight wage discrimination.  The issue is simple: women should receive equal pay for equal work, and the Paycheck Fairness Act would provide the tools to reach that goal.”